Went to the game, just watching the cinefunk edit now

[bear1claw]

Gotta love mandarin and cinefunk, btw.

I'll preface by saying I'm an optimist. It's interesting to watch the replay after seeing it live and reading the threads over the weekend. This game has me optimistic about the rest of the season. Here's why:

1. Defense - best I've seen from them in years. Tackling was outstanding. First guy in usually got 'em down, when he didn't, a swarm to the ball. Brutus coming across the field to hold on the long 3rd down comes to mind. Great hustle and team defense. All 3 levels of the D were solid, had their moments, and picked up the other parts of the D when needed. Lots to like there, especially first road game, first ACC game, and an always physical BC team to contend with.
2. Punting - was probably what will end up being his career game, but if he gives us 80% of that, with that D and a ball control offense, we win a ton of games this year. Can't overstate the importance going forward of not always flipping the field, but at least keeping the major punting mistakes of short and line drive (leading to a big return ala USF) off the table.
3. Golson - saved our asses with a few plays in this game, especially the run out of the safety. Kid has heart, is a gamer, and wants to win. Had a few funky passes, and the bad reads that I think will get better, but I continue to like the way he spins the ball most of the time. He has zip and usually gets it in a good spot for the receiver.
4. O Line - rough patches, but also plenty of plays that they held their own. I think what made it seem worse is, when there was a breakdown it was multiple linemen on the same side and/or center. Take the near-safety for example. Left side of the line execute poor cut blocks, leading to a jailbreak on Golson. Gotta think, with a bye week then WF, and lots of film study, they will correct that.

My biggest fear from watching the game is WRs/TEs. Bobo had the steadiest game, Whitfield had his moments and I am close to saying he is going to breakout, but as a unit, they are not consistent enough yet.